By Compiled from Times wires
Published May 13, 2003
CINCINNATI - Ken Griffey is joining the Reds on a road trip this week as he works his way back from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him since early April.
The team won't say when the star centerfielder will return to the lineup, although it is highly unlikely he would play on the road trip.
Griffey, who separated his right shoulder while diving for a ball, was looking forward to flying with the Reds to St. Louis to open the trip tonight.
"They're letting me out of the dungeon," he said. "At least I'll be able to do something."
Griffey was injured April 5 and placed on the disabled list two days later. He was projected to miss six to 10 weeks. Six weeks will have passed by Saturday.
He has been taking batting practice and doing exercises under medical supervision.
"He's hitting pain-free," Cincinnati trainer Mark Mann said. "He's running. He's able to catch the ball with no problem. Now it's just a matter of building a little more strength."
Griffey's replacement, former Devil Rays outfielder Jose Guillen, has been one of the Reds' hottest hitters.
PIAZZA AT FIRST: Mike Piazza began learning to play a new position, taking grounders at first base for about 10 minutes before the game at Colorado.
The All-Star catcher came out early before batting practice to work at first base for the first time since Mets manager Art Howe and GM Steve Phillips spoke with him about the idea last week.
"This is the first day. He just took ground balls, so let's not read anything more into it," Howe said.
Meanwhile, Mets reliever John Franco took a big step in his comeback from reconstructive elbow surgery. The left-hander, 42, struck out two in a scoreless inning for Class A St. Lucie, his first rehabilitation outing since having Tommy John ligament replacement surgery May 15.
OZZIE CANSECO IN COURT: Former major-leaguer Ozzie Canseco, twin of former Rays slugger Jose Canseco, is scheduled to appear before a judge in Miami today for allegedly violating his probation by being arrested during a traffic stop.
Ozzie Canseco, 38, of Davie was charged May 2 in Punta Gorda with possessing an illegal anabolic steroid, driving with a revoked license and possession of drug paraphernalia.
ASTROS: Left-hander Jeriome Robertson was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans, and right-hander Kirk Saarloos was optioned to the Zephyrs.
CARDINALS: Outfielder and catcher Eli Marrero is scheduled for surgery today to repair ligament damage in his right ankle.
EXPOS: Right-hander Orlando Hernandez had surgery on his injured pitching shoulder. Hernandez, on the disabled list since spring training, is expected to be out at least three more months, though Montreal has not ruled out a return this season.
YANKEES: Right-hander Antonio Osuna pitched two hitless innings in his first rehabilitation appearance for Class A Tampa and might fly to New York to rejoin the team today. The reliever is on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain.
